The benefits of Tai Chi

Tai Chi, the current popular trend in the world of fitness, has a host of benefits both psychological and physical in nature. Practicing Tai Chi accurately can contribute to a calm and tranquil mind, as well as help in mastering the concepts of balance, alignment, and rhythm of movement.

The origin of Tai Chi

Tai chi originates from ancient Chinese movement systems associated with health, philosophy and flexibility of the body. In the words of Tao Tsu, a sage who lived in the sixth century, it is all about achieving flexibility and balance."…he who stands of tiptoe is not steady.He who strides cannot maintain the pace. ".Monks who were in need of exercise, as their days comprised solely of meditation, practiced the earliest forms of Tai chi.

Practicing Tai Chi

It is based on a system of imitating the movements of animals to help exercise the body. The movements of a variety of animals (tiger, deer, bear, ape and birds) are imitated to exercise the joints of the body.

There are a variety of 'postures' such as push, pull, split and elbow strike and 'attitudes' like advance, retreat, look left, gaze right etc. These movements are performed slowly and gracefully with smooth and even transitions between them. Tai Chi seeks to foster the circulation of 'Chi' within the body, to enhance health and vitality. Tai chi has martial as well as meditative benefits. The Tai Chi, which is currently in vogue, is practiced largely for its meditative benefits.

In a two-person exercise called 'push-hands' Tai Chi principles are developed in terms of being sensitive to and responsive of another person's 'chi' or vital energy. It is also an opportunity to employ some of the martial aspects of Tai Chi in a kind of slow-tempo combat. Long-time practitioners of Tai Chi who are so-inclined, can become very adept at martial arts.

Benefits of Tai Chi

Practicing Tai Chi on a regular basis is reputed to bring a variety of benefits to the various systems of the body. Tai chi's flowing movements benefit the muscular and circulatory systems. Tai Chi is considered an effective cure for a range of health problems from breathing related disorders, to digestive and nervous disorders.

Because the Tai Chi movements have their origins in the martial arts, practicing them does have some martial applications. Tai Chi is a moderate cardiovascular training exercise, which also has a significant effect on lung function.

People in varying states of health can practice Tai Chi.
It has been shown as particularly beneficial in the case of people with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis.
Tai Chi helps to regulate the immune system.
Tai Chi helps postural alignment and helps reduce spinal degeneration.
Tai Chi is a weight bearing exercise, which raises the possibility of benefits for maintaining bone density.